Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SADL) has successfully conducted a trial of its Hybrid VTOL UAV, Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range on June 11. The unmanned aerial vehicle met key performance benchmarks set by the Indian Army, demonstrating advanced capabilities in vertical takeoff and landing, high endurance, and precision strike.
During the trial, Rudrastra covered a mission radius of over 50 km with a stable real-time video link and returned safely to its launch point. The total range, including loitering time over the target area, exceeded 170 km. The UAV maintained an endurance of approximately 1.5 hours, a critical factor for tactical missions requiring sustained aerial surveillance and engagement.
A standout moment of the demonstration was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead. Dropped from a medium altitude, the munition executed a controlled airburst at low height, delivering lethal effects across a wide area and validating its battlefield effectiveness.
This successful trial highlights India’s growing capability in developing indigenous unmanned systems and advanced munitions. It also aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The demonstration follows the recent inauguration of SADL’s UAV airstrip and dedicated munition testing facility in Nagpur, reinforcing India’s strategic push toward technological autonomy and innovation in defense.
